Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "break off" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physically snapping something to ending relationships or stopping activities.
To separate a part from a whole by force, often with a clean break.
General verb for snapping something long and thin, like a stick or a pencil. Transitive.
枝を折った。
I broke off a branch.
Intransitive counterpart of 折る; something snaps or breaks off by itself.
The branch broke off.
To twist or wrench off, often used for fruits or parts attached firmly.
I broke off an apple (from the tree).
To chip or break off a small piece, often used for edges of hard objects.
I chipped the rim of the teacup.
To suddenly or formally end a romantic relationship, engagement, or agreement.
General term for breaking up with a romantic partner.
I broke off with my boyfriend.
Formal phrase for breaking off an engagement.
He broke off the engagement.
To sever a relationship, often used for personal or business ties.
I broke off relations with him.
Colloquial expression for cutting ties, often with a negative or decisive nuance.
To suddenly stop talking, laughing, or an activity in the middle.
To detach something that is attached, often by pulling or hitting.
折る is transitive (someone breaks something), while 折れる is intransitive (something breaks). Use 折る when you do the action, and 折れる when it happens by itself or you want to avoid mentioning the agent.
Avoid directly translating 'break off' into Japanese as a single verb. The appropriate expression depends heavily on context: physical snapping, ending relationships, or stopping activities all use different words.
We broke off with that company.